With petrol prices soaring across South Africa, saving fuel has become a top priority for many motorists. Whether you’re commuting daily or planning a long road trip, adopting a few smart driving habits can help you get the most out of every tank. Here are the top 5 expert-approved fuel-saving tips to reduce petrol consumption and keep your wallet happy.
1. Drive Smoothly and Maintain a Consistent Speed
Erratic driving is one of the biggest fuel wasters. Sudden acceleration and hard braking cause your engine to work harder, which burns more petrol.
✅ Pro tip: Maintain a steady speed whenever possible, especially on highways. Use cruise control if your car has it — it helps prevent unnecessary speed fluctuations.
In city traffic, anticipate stops and slowdowns early. By easing off the accelerator instead of slamming on the brakes, you’ll save fuel and reduce wear on your brakes.
2. Avoid Excessive Idling
Idling uses fuel while the car is standing still — and it adds up quickly. If you’re waiting in the car for more than a minute, it’s usually more economical to switch off the engine.
✅ Did you know? Modern engines are fuel-efficient at startup, so restarting your vehicle uses less petrol than idling for long periods. Turn off the engine at traffic lights, school pickups, or drive-thrus to save petrol and reduce emissions.
3. Keep Your Tyres Properly Inflated
Low tyre pressure increases rolling resistance, which means your engine has to work harder — and that burns more fuel.
✅ Fuel-saving tip: Check your tyre pressure at least once a month. Inflate your tyres to the manufacturer’s recommended levels, usually found inside the driver’s door or in the owner’s manual.
Properly inflated tyres not only boost fuel economy but also extend tyre lifespan and improve handling.
4. Travel Light and Remove Unnecessary Weight
Every extra kilogram in your car puts added strain on the engine. A cluttered boot or unused roof rack can reduce your vehicle’s fuel efficiency.
✅ What to do: Clear out heavy items from your boot and cabin. Remove roof boxes or racks when they’re not in use — they increase wind drag, especially at high speeds, and can significantly reduce your mileage.
5. Stick to a Regular Car Maintenance Schedule
A well-maintained vehicle performs more efficiently and burns less fuel. Skipping service intervals can lead to dirty filters, worn spark plugs, and inefficient fuel injection systems.
✅ Key maintenance checks:
- Replace clogged air filters regularly
- Use the correct engine oil as recommended by the manufacturer
- Ensure spark plugs and injectors are clean and in good condition
Using the wrong oil grade can reduce your fuel efficiency by up to 2%, so always check your manual before topping up.
Bonus Tip: Plan Your Routes Ahead
Avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary detours by using navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the most fuel-efficient routes. Reducing time spent in traffic helps minimise idling and improves your overall mileage.
Drive Smart, Save Fuel, and Go Further
Applying these fuel-saving techniques won’t just lower your monthly petrol bill — it also reduces your environmental impact. Smarter driving means fewer carbon emissions, less vehicle wear and tear, and more peace of mind on the road.
Whether you’re navigating Joburg traffic or cruising down the Garden Route, fuel-efficient driving habits are a win-win for your pocket and the planet.
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